Parents scared, frustrated as bats put kids at risk

BAT colonies in Eungella are dividing the community and, with one close to the primary school, some parents are so worried about their children's health they are considering pulling them out of school.

The colonies are common in the township at the top of the Pioneer Valley, but this year residents are saying the numbers are the worst they've seen in years.

Oskar Krobath lives close to the school, where the latest colony of bats has settled.

He said there were now two species roosting in Eungella, with a little red flying fox colony establishing itself near the school grounds a few weeks ago.

Numbers were the highest he had seen since settling in the township in 2004, he said.

The first colony to establish itself was the black flying fox colony close to Eungella Chalet.

The issue for Mr Krobath is that the new colony has been established in trees overhanging the school grounds.

"Usually they would be a bit further back (away from the school)," he said. "They have stripped all the trees of their leaves there are just so many of them."

Mr Krobath said the school had kept children off the playground to avoid contact with the animals.

One of two bat colonies close to the Eungella State Primary School that are concerning parents.Peter Holt

Eungella State Primary School P&C president Joanne Freegard has two children at the school and is a strong supporter of having the bats moved on.

"There are parents that are considering taking their children out of school," she said. "It's an extreme action, but that's what might need to happen to get something done."

She said she would remove her own children.

Ms Freegard said she has contacted numerous departments and the response was always that "there is no health risk".

"Do we have to wait until one of our kids is sick?" Ms Freegard asked.

"The principal is doing all she can, but kids are curious. A five-year-old sees something on the ground, they are going to investigate. Most kids won't, but some will."

Mr Freegard said some of the school ground had been closed to students, including a playground area, because the shade sail had been covered in droppings.

"It's disgusting... and that's putting it nicely."

While Ms Freegard said most parents wanted the bats moved, there were a few in town who didn't want to shift the colony. A Mackay Regional Council spokesman said they had inspected the colonies with state government environment officers.

A Department of Education and Training spokesperson said black flying foxes were mostly roosting near the northern end of the school oval.

The little red flying foxes were roosting near the southern and eastern boundaries.

"The little red bats are very excitable and easily disturbed, causing them to be very flighty," the spokesperson said.

"Within the flying-fox roost management guidelines, as the bats are within the National Park, neither the school nor the local council has authority to disperse the colony.

"Further meetings are under way to discuss possible future vegetation management plans, to be undertaken when the colonies are not present at the National Park." The spokesperson said steps have been taken to protect students and the bats.

"At a recent assembly, students at Eungella School were reminded about ways to ensure their personal safety with regards to bats."

"This discussion included information about the health and safety procedures for dealing with dead or hurt bats, and students have been reminded not to touch the animals," the spokesperson said.